Thank you: two small words that express our joy and gratitude for everything with which the Lord gifted us in this time, especially the communion we experienced and the light that accompanied our steps.
At the beginning of the Chapter we joined the Samaritan woman at the well, bringing with us the thirst of our sisters and brothers, and now we are leaving that same well, taking with us living water for our communities, countries and all the people to whom the Lord will send us.
And by living water we mean trust, hope, communion, joy, peace and the certitude that the One who began this good work will bring it to completion. In view of this, during our Eucharistic Celebration this morning, Sr. Anna Maria Parenzan, Superior General, used perfumed oil to trace the sign of the cross on each of our foreheads as a symbol of our powerful missionary mandate to go forth as joyful messengers of hope: Do not be afraid. I am with you! Take the perfume of Jesus Life to the world. Fill space and time with the many nuances of love. Act in new and original ways to show that communion is possible and will bear great fruit.
May the sweet perfume of Christ truly penetrate us and make us receptive to new life!
We hope you will join us online tomorrow for the Superior Generals official closure of the Chapter.
Ariccia, 13 September 2013